Thirteen Romanian students have won 13 gold medals at the Applied Chemistry Olympiad in Indonesia, despite the fact that the Ministry of Education did not provide any financial support or assistance.
Only after the information reached the press, Minister Ligia Deca promised that the issues faced by Romanian Olympians who covered their travel expenses from their own funds will be resolved by finding a „way of reimbursement.”
"From what I understand from my colleagues at the pre-university education department, there were some communication issues between the organizers and those in charge of formalities. We will have a solution for all those who covered their travel expenses from their own funds, we will find a reimbursement method, I have already spoken with my colleagues at the ministry.
Regarding those who won medals, they will have all the rights resulting from this competition, prizes, and so on. We will see exactly what happened. I will also clarify today at the ministry what the communication issues or regulatory issues were," Deca stated, as cited by Agerpres.
The minister expressed her belief that "such issues will not exist in the future." "I want all children who excel to be supported," added Ligia Deca.
Here's what Prof. Daniela Bogdan, the coordinator of the 10 students from Sava College in the Romanian team, previously stated:
"Congratulations also to the parents who have instilled in their children the spirit of never giving up, financially supporting them to participate in the International Chemistry Olympiad, an event included in the competitions funded by the Ministry of Education (ME), but which was not funded with even 1 leu.
On the contrary, the ME delayed a decision so much (and a response to the requests we made in writing), that we bought plane tickets at a much higher price, last minute.
But about these practices of individuals who temporarily populate an institution responsible for the proper functioning of education, I will write and speak more extensively in the coming days. For now, we are happy and eagerly await our return home. If you can't help, at least don't hinder us."